TheBoredGuy

One word: Dominant. Seems like people from Mt. Pleasant REALLY underestimated JCS. I doubt MTP has seen a team with the team speed on defense that JCS has since the Giles County or Ezell-Harding games. JCS swarmed Dailey and contained the corners...cornerbacks Rayner and Hadley did an outstanding job there. Dailey had to keep reversing field and more often than not, two or more JCS defenders were waiting. MTP's first TD came on a botched fumble call that was taken in for a score. Fowler tried a shovel pass to Rayner, who dropped it. Refs ruled he had possession before the drop, which was the wrong call. I had a perfect angle at it, and Rayner never had a grip on it. JCS struggled in the red zone in the first half, essentially 1-for-4 (got it to the 21 and failed). In the 2nd half, after 8 JCS plays from scrimmage, they had 28 more points. Just picked the Tiger defense apart. Dailey is an excellent player. That much was very evident tonight. But I really don't think they had any idea what they would run up against tonight.

Not even close.

I like JCS to beat Mt. Pleasant, but other than that I'm probably going to pick the same way as you. Not that I like it.

5A: Ravenwood 4A: Maryville 3A: Fulton 2A: Alcoa 1A: Friendship Christian

Seems to me like MP has been talking most of the stuff on this thread.

Milan and Peabody would be #1 and #2 in my book right now, with Westview close behind at #3. After that, it seems to be pretty wide-open.

Then you haven't been reading.

As far as I am concerned, that was a positive post. I was complimenting the coaching staff for making a hard decision. I'm not attempting to rehash anything, but to give credit where it is due. As for the first comment, that is also complimentary of Coach Stewart for coming into a tough situation with people doubting his ability and doing a great job. If you're giving props to the coaching staff, overcoming those two difficult situations can't be ignored. From an outsider's POV, those are real defining moments of how good this staff is, not only in coaching how to play but also teaching how to live. But to respect your wishes, that's the last I'll have to say on the subject.

I remember there being some criticism of the hiring of Stewart this summer over someone else from the school. I wonder what those people are thinking now... ETA: Something else that needs to be pointed out is the undoubtedly hard decision that the coaching staff had to make regarding Melton earlier in the season. Doing the right thing is usually not easy, but I think expecting certain standards to be met and enforcing consequences if they are not--regardless of who the player is--says a lot about this coaching staff.

JCS has Rashad Rayner, and MP does not. I mean, crap, we could do this all day. One player does not a football team make.

A few points... First, Goodpasture will not be intimidated by the atmosphere at Johnnie Hale Stadium. They play in big games every year, the Lipscomb game immediately coming to mind. Like Milan, they have big-game experience and they certainly won't be shaken by what's sure to be a rowdy stadium. Milan will get a boost from playing at home...Goodpasture just will not be intimidated by it. Second, this ought to be a fairly low-scoring game. Milan's defense is too good, as is Goodpasture's. Additionally, as both teams like to run it quite a bit, that keeps the clock moving. I'm thinking 3 TD's max for either team. Should be very similar to the Huntingdon-Goodpasture semifinal game from last season, in fact. Third, Milan is not the same Milan that got drilled by Crockett County. Week 1 cannot be compared with Week 14.

Congrats to both teams for outstanding seasons and going farther than anyone thought you would. And props to the fans from both teams for showing great class and respect for each other after this tough game. That's refreshing to see on this message board.

Good luck to both teams tonight. I've had the pleasure of meeting coaches from both schools, and they're both class acts. Hope it's a good one!

So are you trying to tell me private schools have no advantages over public schools? I haven't seen the SI article, but all privates schools are certainly not created equally. To throw out a blanket statement that they all have money to spare is ridiculous and uninformed.

Public schools won the state championships for 1A and 2A last year, and I'm not sure but I thought I'd heard before that LA was also a public school. I get so sick of this "private schools have all the advantages" argument.

I'm not allowed to pick any games next week.

McKenzie over JCS. I think this one should be very close, but in the end the Eagles won't be able to handle the Rebels' running game. If McKenzie gets ahead by two scores, it's over. That said, I don't know if the Rebel secondary has really been tested yet this season like they will be tomorrow night. They could be the key to the game. TCA over Lake Co. Coin flip game for me, really. I like the fact that TCA has multiple offensive options...they can run and throw. Lake Co. will be the superior athletes by far. Just not convinced the Falcons will be able to handle the TCA passing game. Camden over CPA. Coin flip game as well, but from what I have been told about CPA from people I know over there, Camden should have more team speed. I expect a low-scoring affair here, and will not be surprised to see either team win. Westview over Humboldt. Basically, I'm going on the theory that it's hard to beat a good team--and a good coach--twice in a season. Milan over Peabody. I love what Coach Scott has done with the Peabody program, but this is Milan. In the playoffs. Enough said. South Side over Giles County. I think the Hawks learned something last week, and the same mistakes will not be duplicated Friday night. No one's been able to slow the Hawks' offense yet, and this should be no exception. Crockett County over Covington. Perry may be out, but I don't think that is worth 4 TD's. Will be closer than the Week 9 game, but Cavs still win. Haywood over Dyersburg. The Tomcats have figured it out. Lots of youth in the lineup to start the season contributed to their slow start. Don't forget they almost beat Covington in the 2nd round last year. IIRC, Covington score on the last play of the game to win. Haywood in a squeaker.

One day, I'd love to see a group of coaches go to the workplace of one of their player's parents, sit down with the head honchos, and be critical of the job they're doing.

A certain radio personality west of the river said this game would be closer than most people think, which is not a good sign for Spring Hill given his record of picking games.

Where, pray tell, are Crockett County fans complaining about injuries? Yes, people are wondering about the condition of Jarvis Perry...but if he played for your team, you would be too.

Barmore is a good player, but I doubt his absence was worth three touchdowns. Butchie...ask duckman where I hail from...and what I do.

I remember seeing that 2001 McKenzie team play. Dang, they were good. What is it with you and your QB's up there? Taylor Holland...Drew Hayes...Derek Carr...must be something in the water.

Yeah, well, I was wrong as often as I was right this year. But it was definitely a crazy season. Who'da thunk that Huntingdon and JCM would miss the playoffs? I really like the Rebels' chances this post-season if the defense can play solid football.

I was specifically talking about JCS's secondary, very fast and smart group of kids. They could (emphasis on could) give McKenzie's passing game some problems. But I don't think they'll be able to shut down French and the running game. Which is why I like McKenzie to get to the state finals. Pick your poison with that offense. But I'll refrain from talking further about that potential matchup until next week, if it happens.

Are you kidding? I've been waiting to dig this baby back up for the flack I caught for picking McKenzie in the preseason.